Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare and early ceiling lamp, model 9060, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, exemplifies the designer’s mastery in combining intricate metalwork with functional elegance. The lamp features a wide, shallow brass shade adorned with finely perforated detailing, a hallmark of Tynell’s work. When illuminated, these perforations create a distinctive star-like pattern that adds a decorative element to the ambient lighting. At the center, a circular brass element encases the light diffuser, directing light downward while allowing a soft glow to emanate through the perforations in the shade.

The lamp is suspended by two slender brass rods that connect to a domed brass ceiling mount, creating a balanced and refined silhouette. The extensive use of brass throughout the fixture lends warmth and sophistication, with a polished surface that has developed a subtle patina over time. Beneath the main shade, an integrated glass diffuser ensures even light distribution, minimizing glare and enhancing the lamp’s atmospheric quality.

Paavo Tynell was one of Finland’s foremost lighting designers, celebrated for his ability to merge organic forms with modernist principles and intricate metal craftsmanship. His collaborations with Taito Oy resulted in lighting pieces that were both decorative and highly functional. The model 9060 holds particular historical significance, having been originally designed for the secretariat room at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, underscoring its exclusivity and cultural importance.

The lamp measures 55 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height (21.7 x 19.7 inches). Its design and condition reflect the timeless elegance and artisanal quality characteristic of Tynell’s work in mid-century Finnish lighting design.